Pakistan Launches First HKC-Certified Ship Recycling Facility

Pakistan has formally joined the ranks of countries adhering to international standards for ship recycling with the inauguration of its first facility certified under the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC).

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry inaugurated the Prime Green Recycling Yard, calling the certification a defining moment for the sector. “This is a historic achievement for Pakistan’s maritime sector,” he said, adding that the milestone reflects the country’s growing alignment with global environmental and safety requirements.

The HKC, developed under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), establishes comprehensive rules for the safe dismantling of ships, including protocols for hazardous materials, worker protection, and environmentally sound waste disposal. According to the minister, compliance with these standards marks tangible progress in reforming Pakistan’s ship recycling industry.

Ship recycling remains a key economic activity in coastal Balochistan, particularly in Gadani. Chaudhry said the government is moving ahead with plans to upgrade the Gadani Ship Recycling Zone through infrastructure improvements, regulatory strengthening, and stricter safety enforcement. “Protecting the lives and health of workers is our foremost concern,” he said.

The minister also credited the Pakistan Ship Breakers Association for helping organise and formalise the sector, stressing that collaboration between public institutions and private operators is essential for sustainable growth. He said a modernised ship recycling industry could create thousands of jobs, reduce reliance on imported raw materials, and conserve foreign exchange. “Ship recycling can become a major contributor to economic growth,” he added.

Reiterating the government’s long-term maritime vision, Chaudhry said. Pakistan aims to emerge as a regional hub for safe and sustainable maritime activity. “Our vision is to make Pakistan a sustainable and secure maritime leader in the region,” he said, noting that HKC certification is only the first step in a broader reform agenda